Minimum Wage Increase January 1st, 2016 the California minimum wage will increase from $9.00 per hour to $10.00 per hour. If you have employees that are currently making less than $10.00, you/we will need to change their rate for any hours worked starting January 1st. All hours worked in December can be paid at the old rate (even if the check date is in January). Make sure your salary employees are making at least the new minimum wage for the hours they work in January. If your pay period covers hours worked in December and January (i.e. Monday 12-28 to